Great Outdoor Dining Spots in Boston
Al fresco dining in Boston
Looking to enjoy a meal outdoors while soaking up the fresh air and vibrant city atmosphere? Boston offers a wide array of patio dining options perfect for everything from a family brunch to a laid-back dinner under the stars.
Whether you're craving waterfront views, cozy hidden courtyards, or bustling streetside terraces, our guide to the best patio dining spots in Boston will help you discover the ideal setting for your next al fresco outing.
Alcove
A comfortable setting just off Causeway Street boasts sweeping views of the Zakim Bridge and Boston Harbor. Think: cool cocktails, summery salads, fresh seafood, and snacks.
50 Lovejoy Wharf, Boston, 617-248-0050, alcoveboston.com.
Banyan Bar + Refuge
Banyan’s brick patio is ensconced in strings of warm bulbs and lanterns and lush greenery, and features colorful, comfortable lounge seating in addition to dining tables and a cushioned banquette. No matter where you sit, cocktails just taste better al fresco. The patio features dinner, weekday lunch and weekend brunch for the season.
553 Tremont St., South End, Boston, 617-556-4211, banyanboston.com.
Area Four
Area Four’s deliciously charred, wood-fired pizzas are available al fresco at the Cambridge location, which is now offering patio seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
Craigie on Main
Craigie has transformed the parking lot next door into an expansive outdoor dining space. At “Craigie Next Door,” you’ll find a new experience distinct from Craige on Main, featuring family-style dinners and a weekly changing menu.
Pammy’s
Pammy’s outdoor patio has debuted in Cambridge. Reserve ahead of time for a three-course meal—choose from options like Big Eye Tuna Crudo with crispy pig ears and smoked trout roe; Binchoton Grilled Lobster Tail with swiss chard and rose harissa; and the classic Lumache pasta with gochujang Bolognese.
Forage
Another new entrant to the outdoor dining game, Forage has set up a “secret garden” backyard patio where you can enjoy locally sourced, vegetable-focused fare. The seasonal menu rotates frequently so you can always expect to find something creative and new to enjoy.
Mida
Bucatini all’Amatriciana with guanciale and pecorino; Eggplant Parmesan; Roasted Chicken with smoked orzo and shiitake mushrooms: You can now try any of these dishes on the streetside patio operated by the innovative South End Italian restaurant Mida.
Myers + Chang
Myers + Chang’s trellis-lined Washington Street patio is open for outdoor dining, so make room in your meal plans for Mama Chang’s Pork + Chive Dumplings and dim sum brunch.
Sweet Cheeks Q
Something about eating barbecue outdoors just feels right. Thankfully, Sweet Cheeks has opened its patio so you can enjoy trays of Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Heritage Breed Pulled Pork, and—naturally—the crumbly, almost-a-meal-in-itself Biscuits in the open air.
The Tall Ship
The Tall Ship is a 245" vessel turned floating oyster bar moored on Pier One in East Boston. The ship features three custom-built mahogany bars, built around the grand mast, and forward and aft of the shift while guests enjoy uninterrupted views of the city skyline and harbor. The galley kitchen offers a concise menu of local oysters, shellfish, sushi, and charcuterie boards. *Check their Instagram page for weather and event updates
Tiger Mama
Tiger Mama’s Boylston Street patio is serving a condensed menu of Southeast Asian favorites, including Papaya Salad with peanuts and hot hot chilis; the highly shareable Bun Cha Hanoi with crispy pork rolls, sour broth, and grilled pork patties; and the ever-satisfying Coconut Sticky Rice.
Davio’s:
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse opens an outdoor patio during the spring and summer months in the Seaport. Enjoy traditional Italian, steak and seafood dishes paired with fine wine and cocktails while taking in the beautiful views of the Boston Harbor at the Seaport location. A stroll along the adjacent Harborwalk is also the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening after dining. Davio’s has locations all over Massachusetts including Back Bay, Braintree, Chestnut Hill, Foxborough, Lynnfield and Boston Logan Airport.
Seaport Address: 26 Fan Pier Blvd, Boston, MA 02210
Forcella
Unlike many restaurants in the North End, Forcella has a year-round outdoor patio that is tucked privately behind the restaurant - an enclave of peace, quiet and romance in the busy neighborhood. Able to seat 44 guests, dogs are also welcome! All guests must order food when sitting outside. Umbrellas can be put up during the hot summer months to create a comfortable atmosphere year round. The restaurant's new Wine & Cocktail Bar that is a perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink before heading to patio seating.
Address: 33 North Square, Boston, MA 02113
Sugar Factory
The Boston location offers a unique dining experience with an expansive menu featuring New England-influenced dishes, legendary desserts, and celebrity-endorsed smoking candy goblets. This Sugar Factory venue boasts a captivating two-story dining area, including the renowned 'Pink Room,' indoor and outdoor seating options, and a candy retail store. Seasonal pop-up menus will also be offered throughout the year.
Address: 101 S. Market Street, Boston, MA 02109
Victory Point
Victory Point is the reimagined waterfront restaurant and bar on the Marina Bay boardwalk formerly known as Captain Fishbones. Enjoy beautiful views with boats coming in and out of the harbor while dining outside throughout the spring and summer months. The indoor restaurant is open year round. The Italian restaurant is located in the heart of Quincy’s Marina Bay neighborhood.
Planning for a May 1 opening, but may open earlier pending good weather in April!
Address: 332 Victory Road, Quincy, MA 02171
The North End
Neptune Oyster
This North End seafood gem has opened up patio seating on Salem Street. Catch classic Neptune favorites including Fried Ipswich Clams; Fluke a Watermelon Crudo, the Neptune Johnnycake with honey butter, blue crab cocktail, or, the hot or cold Maine Lobster Roll.
The Daily Catch (Waterfront Location) - Check out the newest location along the North End Waterfront at 65 Atlantic Ave. Featuring indoor and outdoor seating along with pick up. Open Daily 4pm – 10pm
Cassarece - Outdoor seating on Hanover street as well as indoor seats at the open window. Try the Lasagna and the meatballs! The Gnocchi is great too.
Hojoko: The Fenway’s favorite rock-and-roll Japanese izakaya returned on Wednesday with both open-air indoor seating and an outdoor patio. Stop by to get your ramen fix, or try the kimchi fried rice.
Taberna de Haro (Spanish at St. Mary's station | Beacon Street in Brookline ) just emailed that they have two heaters out, and their patio is lovely.
Ivory Pearl (seafood in Washington Square) &
Blossom Bar (Chinese in Brookline Village) both have heaters!
Devlin’s (American in Brighton Center) has a huge back patio
O’Hara’s in Newton Highlands
Il Patio di Eataly: Eataly’s patio in the Back Bay has been open for a while now, they've revamped the entire space with an autumn theme that includes fall drinks like mulled cider and dishes like butternut squash ravioli; amid hay bales, decorative pumpkins, and festive fall decor.
Summer Shack: Craving seafood this weekend? Hit up Summer Shack’s new Harvard Square patio, which popped up on Wednesday and will last through the end of October. Located behind the Charles Hotel, the restaurant serves lobster rolls, crab cakes, calamari, and crispy fried fish sandwiches, plus homemade pies for dessert.
If summer is your season and outdoor dining is your thing, you should also check out our guide to Boston Beer Gardens. These fun social venues are hosted by local breweries like Cisco, Nightshift, Trillium and more They are great places for young adults in Boston to meet up with friends or colleagues. Other unique ways to enjoy the Boston Summer weather, Outdoor Summer Movies, or Drive-in Movies, Summer Concerts and more!
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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 20 years. She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.